The Effects of Labor Migration and OFW Remittances on the Level of Poverty in the Philippines

Global labor mobility and Overseas Filipino workers have been a topic of interest due to its rapid growth and its apparent links with development goals. Among the 197 countries in the world, the Philippines has one of the highest rates of migration. In this paper, the researchers have examined the statistical relationship between migration and poverty through a study, using panel data from the years 2006, 2008, 2012, 2015, and 2018 in the Philippines. Specifically, the paper examined the degree of impact of migration on poverty using the GINI coefficient and GRDP as determinants for poverty, whilst Remittances is the constant variable used. The study aimed to determine whether remittances reduce poverty as Overseas Filipino Workers continue to increase yearly. The end results showed that there is a relationship amongst poverty, international labor migration, and remittances via the fixed panel data done but show a low significance level among the said variables. Thus, there is a relationship within the variables but a low significance level to the poverty in the Philippines.

A Study on the Level of Awareness of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) At Tripoli, Libya on the Myths & Facts on Corona Virus (Covid – 19): Basis for Program Planning

The study aimed to determine the level of awareness of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) of Tripoli, Libya on the myths & facts on corona virus (COVID – 19). Specifically, this study answered the following questions:1) What are the Demographic Profile of the respondents in terms of Gender, Educational Background and Occupational Background?? 2) What are the Overseas Filipino Workers level of awareness on the myths & facts on corona virus (COVID-19)? 3) Based on the results of the study, what measures can be formulated to increase the level of awareness of the Overseas Filipino Workers on corona virus (COVID-19)? The findings that the researcher was able to extract from the study were: 1) the frequency and percentage of the Overseas Filipino Workers demographic profile in terms of Gender, shows that female are mostly dominant which is 29 or 66.25% while male is 17 or 36.91%. In terms of Educational Background, results reveals that mostly are on the College level which accounts to 29 or 63.04%, Bachelor degree holder, 11 or 23.91%, Masters 3 or 6.52%, Doctorate 1 or 2.2% and College Undergraduate 2 or 4.3%. Occupational Background of the respondents reveals that Predominantly, 26 or 56.5% belongs to the Health sector, Oil & Gas 7 or 15.2%, Education, 1 or 2.2%, Others like those of the Embassies 8 or 17.4%, Not applicable 4 or 8.7%. There was a “Not Applicable” response as there were participants on the symposium who are dependents of the Overseas Filipino Workers and are not currently employed in Tripoli, Libya. 2) Detailed analysis of Table 3 reflecting the results of the frequency and percentage of the Overseas Filipino Workers level of awareness on the Facts and Myths of COVID-19 reveals that mostly 91.31% are aware of the facts on COVID-19, 5.70% unaware and 2.98% undecided. Predominantly, 53.07% of the Overseas Filipino Workers are aware on Myths on COVID-19 as reflected on the “NO” responses on questions on MYTHS, however the 40.75% results on the “YES” responses showed only a difference of 12.32% which is quite alarming and 2.98% are undecided.3) The measures that could be formulated to increase the level of awareness of the Overseas Filipino Workers are to conduct information dissemination campaign through symposiums, research forums and the use of Information Education Campaign (IEC) materials. Based on these findings, the researcher was able to conclude that the Overseas Filipino Workers in Tripoli, Libya are aware of both the FACTS & MYTHS on COVID-19, however, it is worthwhile to note that there is small difference in the figures reflected on the MYTHS aspect, thus there is still a need to correct these misconceptions so as to contribute on measures to end this pandemic.

A Journey Back Home: Lived Experience of the Returning Overseas Filipinos in a 14-Day Quarantine Facility

In outbreak prevention and infection control amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government mandated the returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to undergo a 14-day quarantine and isolation upon arrival in the country. In this light, this study utilized Heideggerian existential phenomenology to describe the experiences of OFWs in the quarantine facilities and the meanings they associated with their 14-day quarantine experience. Six purposively selected OFW-informants participated in the study. From the findings, five main themes emerged: (1) concerns and challenges of uncertainties, (2) emotional struggles, (3) process of coping, (4) meanings associated with their quarantine experience, and (5) their trusts and hopes. This study recommends a strengthened psycho-social support program to manage distress among OFWs and provide information and services needed to mount an appropriate response to assisting OFWs in this pandemic.

Anxious, Apart, and Attentive: A Qualitative Case Study of Overseas Filipino Workers’ Families in the time of COVID-19

Cognizant of the nature and type of family as factors that affect the experience and coping of its members, this study sought to examine the impact of the pandemic on overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) families using a qualitative instrumental case study of four OFW families. Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) worry over the conditions of the distant family members, (2) disruptions in plans and family relationships, and (3) monitoring and caring from a distance. From these findings, it could be reflected that despite the negative effects of the pandemic, OFW families can recreate patterns over time to retain their familial relations and routines and protect members from coronavirus and its consequences.